Morning Bike ride

It's amazing to me how sometimes my mind plays so many tricks on me--it's too early, it might rain, you may get a flat tire--wanting me to hang up going out for a bike ride. Often times, at least recently, the main battle is in just pushing those worries aside and getting out there to ride. Seems once the pedals are in motion, the worries get left behind. ...And of course I have a spare tube, pump and tools to fix a flat.

Anyway, just had a great time this morning, unexpectedly with FIVE friends (C, S, D, AM, and W) who showed up at several meet-up points to ride out of town for about a 22 mile loop. Just enough distance and wind to make it challenging but fun!

Will look at scheduling more regular rides this summer, probably Tuesday and Friday mornings. This will help in my cross training efforts while I keep running.

2009 Marathon Training

I've created a 2009-Marathon Training calendar on Google, for planning and tracking my progress. Calendar is located to the right, under my Links.

Armstrong team to continue racing

Lance Armstrong's Astana team have given financial guarantees to cycling's governing body paving the way for their Tour de France participation in July. (from BBC Sport - Cycling)

Marathon Pre-Training

Pre-Training Week #2 - Still running by time. Total: 30 minutes, with one walk break.

A marked improvement from last week's first run (30 minutes with six walk breaks) and second run (30 minutes with three walk breaks). Getting out in the morning to run is still my favorite time.

Marathon Pre-Training

Pre-Training Week #1 - As mentioned in an earlier post, I'm right now working on doing 3-4 runs a week. Each run consists of combinations of run/walk for 30 minutes--running for time versus distance. Tonight was this first week's run#2. Once I can run a solid 30 minutes, probably next week, I'll work on simply staying at that distance and pushing a longer 40 minute run once a week. Key thing is consistency, make it part of my daily routine. I'll also incorporate biking on non-run days for some cross training work.

Thoughts on Marathons

Recently I purchased the movie Spirit of the Marathon (2007), watched it several times already, and I'm mulling over another attempt this year at doing the 26.2 mile distance--mostly on my own. Found a helpful Beginner Marathon Program on the Cool Running web portal. Key thing I want to do this time around I did not do last year is work on a solid base, essentially working on the referred to pre-training schedule for about 2 months. The marathon schedule also incorporates longer runs on alternating weeks, which I've heard works better for some people.

Yesterday was the official kicking off point for starting the pre-training schedule--also since it was such an awesome day. I'll focus on 3-4 runs per week to get that habit going. I'll post updates here as things progress. Wish me luck!

Article, Spring Tune-up: Breaking the Hibernation

A great article from Active.com. Spring Tune-up: Breaking the Hibernation. "Now is the perfect time for a spring tune up. Follow these quick fixes and get your running back on track for the summer."...

Spirit of the Marathon

Recently bought on DVD and also shared with a friend a favorite movie that came out in 2007, called Spirit of the Marathon. From the website:

Spirit of the Marathon is the first ever non-fiction feature film to capture the drama and essence of the famed 26.2 mile running event. Filmed on four continents, the movie brings together a diverse cast of amateur athletes and marathon luminaries.

As six unique stories unfold, each runner prepares for and ultimately faces the challenge of the Chicago Marathon. More than a sports movie, Spirit of the Marathon is an inspirational journey of perseverance and personal triumph; a spectacle that will be embraced by runners and non-runners alike.

A definite recommendation for anyone who runs or who has considered running.

Cool Running

Looking over a site called Cool Running, considering some of their training plans.

Have not updated this blog in over a year, however I'm posting on Twitter as btbrasington for the foreseeable future. Thanks for stopping by.

Final long ride before Delta Century. Put in 80 miles. I'll probably do a short ride about mid week for my final prep.

Morning Ride

Tested out new tires and tubes this morning during a pre-dawn bike ride, going out of town and back, measuring 31.7 miles round trip. Took a little break beside the road just before the sun came up and then watched the sun rise over the distant Sierras. Beautiful.

I also never tire of seeing how the morning ground fog hugs certain areas: just above the numerous vineyards, large swaths blanketing the road, and hovering above water areas that supply irrigation for the many kinds of fruit and nut trees in the area. Definitely a good ride.

I plan for one final long ride this weekend in preparation for next week's Delta Century.

2008 Delta Century prep

Still preparing for the 2008 Delta Century, coming up May 4th. Put in a long ride today, aiming for about 65 miles. Cycled north toward Elk Grove, turned left on to Hood-Franklin Road over to the city of Hood. Then turned left to head south along the very scenic Hwy 160 all the way to Walnut Grove and then headed east over to Thorton Road for the home stretch. Wind picked up here and there, with some gusts around 8 to 16. Had a rear tire flat on Hwy 160. Repaired. Then had another flat (now on the front) some miles down the road. Lovely. Very tired by the time I got back home. Total mileage: 76. I'm changing out my tires and all new tubes this week! --At one point on the way out, crossing Peltier Road still heading north on Thorton, some cyclist on an organized ride (The Zen Ride?) took a wrong turn. The three cyclist continued north on Thorton, where they should have turned on to Peltier. Since I was going up Thorton anyway--and they had passed me a few minutes before when I had stopped to munch on a half sandwich--I decided to chase them down and let them know about the wrong turn. ...Took about five minutes, but I finally caught up with them and let them know, "your turn was back there at Peltier."

Overall good ride. Weather--other than wind gusts--made it a beautiful day for a ride! Will put in some tire reinforcements this week on some new tires before heading out again.

New Blog, #1558

Welcome to 1558!